Phew, that's it, the end of all that wild weather, no more wind and rain, back to nice gentle days and evenings, stars out, soft breeze and pleasantly cool for a good walk. No doubt the mud will soon all dry up and we will be back to shorts, t-shirts and trainers. Out from Dunnabridge and up the lane to the standing stone. Bill Mudge and Don's stones welcomed us to Laughter Tor with time to admire the cross. Down to check Huccaby gate is still there and along to a most pleasant picnic bench for a cuppa. Round Bellever and up to skylark land before heading out into the gap to the Tor. Neatly back to the cars and the always welcoming PoW.
The consensus was that it was somewhat moist and breezy. As we set out from Bellever having diligently paid to park. Along the forest track sheltered by the swinging trees to pop out at the Huccaby gate. And down squelchily to admire the Snaily stepping stones where the tail was told as we enjoyed our cuppas. Up round Laughter Hole House back to the gate and on to Laughter Tor itself. By Don's stone to follow the track back into the forest before popping out to ascend Bellever Tor, where it was quite windy. On the way a large bird - could well have been a Hen Harrier. And to the cars and to the East Dart. A warm welcome, good food and a rather tired fire.
A true model of planning and execution with only one tiny, tiny flaw - a sure sign of perfection. A cool evening with patches of frost and ice to set off up Sharpitor. Onwards and over Lether before heading down to the wall. To the track and cist. Along the leat and out to the open moor. To spot the Indian's head and find a very sheltered spot for a cuppa by the aqueduct. Up on to Black where the logan stone rocked. Over the road to Leedon and back to the cars as the stars came out. To the Burrator where a Christmas party was in full swing - always, always something new.
A perfect day for a walk, clear as a bell. Out from Hound Tor car park and along the road to Jay's Grave with fresh flowers. Across Cripdon Down and out to the wonderful Bowerman's Nose with views all around. Onward to the summit of Hayne Down Tor for a cuppa in a nice cool breeze. Down, down and along the road heading south. To Leighon and round to cross the Becka Brook at the clapper bridge. Then the steep climb up to the mediaeval settlement before Hound and back. No sign of the basket meals so on to the New Old Inn with very prompt service.
All very nice.
Wow! just how fantastic was that? Just as promised and right on time it arrived. We were all quite happy earlier on with a few flakes passing by and very excited when we could actually see it on the ground. So, out over Littaford and Longaford for a very sheltered cuppa. North Hessary appeared and disappeared promising something. To the cairn on Higher White and down the wall into the breeze. And then as we headed back by Wistmans it all started and really came in, lovely big ploppy flakes. Back to the Two Bridges as warm and welcoming as ever.
Every Wednesday walk has something new and tonight a real treat.
A great place to walk and admire the woods in winter. Out from Fingle Bridge where the Teign was roaring and up, up, up. To contour round the stalkers' path high above the river. The trees were swinging in the cooling wind. Down, down, down past Mr Drewe fishing to the suspension bridge for a cuppa. And up to the Hunter's Path just under Castle Drogo still draped in scaffolding. And along by one of Mike Smallcombe's wonderful pictures and on to Sharp Tor. Then wendlingly back to the cars. A most pleasant place to be on a winter's day.
Well there certainly seemed to be a hint of winter as we set off from Norsworthy. Out along the track past Middleworth and Deancombe to Cuckoo Rock. On to Combeshead then Hingston where the stone row beckoned us on. Along to the pound then down, down to Newleycombe to find shelter in a gert for a cuppa. Up to the track and along the leat as the wind blew and the rain tipped to Crazywell. Then back along the track to the cars as the wind whistled in the trees. To the Royal Oak where the squeeze-box and violin were almost melodious.
A brand new year to go to some brand new places. Where the industry of the moor is busy, busy, busy. Out from Tolchmoor as the skies slowly cleared. Over the hidden camomile lawn and up to Crownhill Tor for fine views. Along the track rounding Headon where the huge dumper trucks rolled up and down with their loads of china clay. And on to the new track past Hemerdon where queues of dumpers waited to shift the ore for processing into tungsten. Up to the rather forlorn Claymore House and round by Smallhanger where it is said a Dartford Warbler can be seen. Round the quarry boundary for a cuppa swinging our legs from the bridge. Down to Headon works and the blue pool before wending by some amazing orange peel fungus to fascinating Broomage Farm dating from 1248. Back up and over the down to the cars. And on to The Farmyard Cafe which was truly amazing.
It must be noted that on Tuesday 5th January 2016 I purchased a full breakfast with a very nice cappuccino for the princely sum of £4.
You really do have to be there ...
